Bruins Notebook: Zdeno Chara in 500 club

UNIONDALE, NY — Bruins captain Zdeno Chara reached an impressive career milestone for a player whose No. 1 concern always has been and always will be defense.

By Stephen Harris

capecodtimes.com

By Stephen Harris

Posted Jan. 28, 2014 at 4:29 PM
Updated Jan 28, 2014 at 4:30 PM

By Stephen Harris

Posted Jan. 28, 2014 at 4:29 PM
Updated Jan 28, 2014 at 4:30 PM

» Social News

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Bruins captain Zdeno Chara reached an impressive career milestone for a player whose No. 1 concern always has been and always will be defense. He notched his 500th NHL point last night, scoring the final goal in the B’s 6-3 win against the Islanders.

“I just try to do my job and help the team win,” Chara said. “Points always are secondary in my view, but obviously if I can contribute offensively, it’s a big plus. So yeah, it’s a nice feeling to reach that milestone.”

He was happy it came in a victory, even one that was a bit of struggle.

“We knew we faced a really good team, really strong offensively, a team that is battling for the playoffs,” he said. “We were very fortunate to score some goals and control the game toward the end. The first two periods, it was a very close game.”

Offered coach Claude Julien: “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t think there’s one defenseman in this league I would trade him for. He’s such a valuable asset — size, strength, defensively he’ll shut down every top player in the league. At the same time, because he doesn’t rush the puck Bobby Orr-style, we tend to forget that he still brings some pretty good offense.”

Speaking of trades, this is a perfect time to revisit the one that sent Chara from the Islanders to Ottawa, a deal considered among the worst in league history.

In November 2001, Isles GM Mike Milbury dealt Chara, center Bill Muckalt and a first-round pick (second overall, which the Senators used to draft Jason Spezza) for big Russian center Alexei Yashin. The Isles promptly signed Yashin to a 10-year, $64 million contract.

The outcome? Chara and Spezza became stars; Yashin was a lazy underachiever and locker-room problem. His contract was bought out with four years remaining, meaning the Isles are paying him $2.2 million per season through 2014-15.

Second to none

Brad Marchand and his second-line mates have been on a tear lately. Marchand’s goal and three assists last night gave him 12 points in the past six games. Patrice Bergeron and Reilly Smith also scored last night, as the line produced three goals and five assists.

“We definitely have some confidence right now and some chemistry, but we’re getting some bounces, too,” Marchand said. “Right now we seem to be executing pretty well. We know it’s not going to be like this every night, but it’s definitely fun while it happens.” .?.?.

Center Chris Kelly was ready to play last night but understood that because the team is playing four games this week, it made sense to wait one more day. Kelly, out more than seven weeks since breaking his leg Dec.?7, likely will return to the lineup tonight against Florida at the Garden.

“As far as his injury is concerned, he’s healed,” Julien said. “(He is) probably a possibility for (tonight), but we don’t want to throw him in with four games in six nights. .?.?. We certainly don’t want any setbacks.”

Said Kelly: “The schedule dictates a lot. When you step back and think about it, (staying out last night) does make sense.”

Outdoor advice

The Islanders make their outdoor debut tomorrow, playing the Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Coach Jack Capuano sought out B’s counterpart Julien — who has been through two outside games — for advice on handling the experience.

Julien’s key suggestion: Have fun.

“I just told him to enjoy the moment,” Julien said before the game. “The thing for me, both times, is I thought it was important for the players to enjoy the environment. They really have to soak it in because it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” .?.?.

Center Ryan Spooner, who sat out Saturday’s game with the flu, was well enough to return last night. But Julien opted to stick with the same lines he had in Philadelphia, meaning Daniel Paille was on the third line centered by Carl Soderberg, and Jordan Caron played on the fourth line with Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell.

Former BU defenseman Brian Strait of Waltham makes a good poster boy for NHL persistence: In his fifth pro season, the 26-year-old finally is getting quality ice time as a member of the Islanders.

He played his 32nd game of the season last night, but it was just the 63rd of his NHL career. He’d spent plenty of time injured and playing in the AHL.

“It’s the best league in the world for a reason: It’s really tough to get here and really tough to stay here,” Strait said. “You just stick with it. It’s tough being in the minors, but in every NHL locker room there are guys who spent a lot of times in the minors and now they’re there. They stuck with it and made it.”